ABSTRACT
AIMS: To evaluate the effects of a novel, low-volume, high-intensity Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) technique on blood glucose control in elderly Chinese patients with Type 2 Diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PReTTy2 trial enrolled 300 male and female patients with Type 2 Diabetes in a randomized resistance training program with the bioDensity™ technique. 100 were control patients with no training intervention and 200 had resistance training. Anthropometry, biochemical parameters, HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were measured at baseline, 3-month and 6-month intervals. RESULTS: 265 patients completed the study with no adverse events. There were no statistically significant differences in HbA1c for all patients, control and PRT groups, at baseline (pâ¯=â¯0.60), 3â¯months (pâ¯=â¯0.42) and 6-months (pâ¯=â¯0.45). Subgroup analysis with baseline HbA1câ¯>â¯7.5% (58â¯mmol/mol), showed statistically significant differences in HbA1c and FPG between groups at 6â¯months (pâ¯<â¯0.05). All PRT group patients had statistically significant differences from baseline at 6â¯months for HDL (1.25â¯+â¯0.32 vs. 1.17â¯+â¯0.26â¯mmol/L, pâ¯<â¯0.001), LDL (3.23⯱â¯0.89 vs. 2.93⯱â¯0.80â¯mmol/L, pâ¯<â¯0.001) and total cholesterol (4.97⯱â¯1.22 vs. 4.58⯱â¯1.03â¯mmol/L, pâ¯<â¯0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PRT improves glycemic indices in elderly patients with Type 2 Diabetes with poor glucose control as an adjunct to diet and medication. Progressive Resistance Training with bioDensity™ is feasible, safe and effective in elderly patients with Type 2 Diabetes.